Anti-sway apparatus for a rack arrangement

ABSTRACT

Trunk mountable bicycle carrier racks and various improved aspects thereof such as retractable spool mechanism, cable end-hooks, anti-sway device, improved rotatable hubs, and improved frame supports.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is application claims priority to provisional Application No.61/244,850, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to load carriers for transporting variousarticles, and in particular bicycle carriers. In particular, the presentapplication relates to trunk mounted bicycle carriers and variousimproved aspects thereof such as retractable spool mechanism, cableend-hooks, anti-sway device, improved rotatable hubs, and improved framesupports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bicycle carriers are well known and very popular for cyclists and sportsenthusiasts. Oftentimes it is of interest to ride in particular areasthat are far from home, and thus transporting a bicycle becomesnecessary. Accordingly, trunk and hitch mounted bicycle carriers havebeen employed for this purpose as they are generally easily to installand use.

Generally a bicycle rack will have some apparatus for attachment to avehicle, either through a hitch or attachment to the trunk. Besideshaving a portion for attachment to a vehicle, there will also be loadbearing arms onto which one can place a bicycle. Additionally, theseload bearing arms generally have “cradles” installed thereon. Cradlesgenerally have a softer material and directly receive the tubes of thebicycle when bicycles are installed. Such cradles aid in holding thebicycles on the load bearing arms. Furthermore, straps are employed onthe arms or cradle to secure the bicycle onto the cradles.

In the past, bicycle racks have suffered from drawbacks such as notfacilitating ease of use, for example attachment to a trunk of avehicle, or folding and unfolding of the rack, attachment of anti-swaydevices or adjustment for placing a bicycle therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are trunk mountable bicycle carriers which improve theease of use of carriers for sports enthusiasts. For example, disclosedherein are improved cable spools for release of cables for attachment tovehicles. Such improved spools facilitate use of cables and storage whennot in use. Furthermore, such cable spools disclosed herein reduce orprevent the tangling of the cable when being retracted or released.

Furthermore, improved cable end hooks are disclosed herein whichfacilitate use and attachment of the hooks to cables and removaltherefore, and their use for attachment to vehicles for installingbicycle racks.

Disclosed herein is a vehicle trunk mountable bicycle rack havingmounting arms abuttable against a vehicle and an adjustable ratchetingarrangement, the ratcheting arrangement including: a substantiallycircular spool rotatable about a central axis and nested in a housing,the spool having an inner trough portion and an outer edge portion, theinner trough portion receiving a flexible cable on a portion thereof;the inner trough having a plurality concave tracks each sized tocorrespond to a diameter of the flexible cable, the tracks beingarranged to wind the flexible cable in a single layer across the troughportion.

Disclosed herein is an anti-sway device which is easily attached andremoved from a bicycle rack. Furthermore, the anti-sway devices areeasily employed for reducing or eliminating rocking or “sway” of abicycle held in the bicycle rack.

In some embodiments is disclosed a bicycle carrier rack for mounting ona vehicle, the rack having an arm extending away from the vehicle forcarrying a bicycle, the arm including an attachment member on anunderside of the arm having a locking portion suspended a distance fromthe arm and extending in the same longitudinal direction of the arm; ananti-sway member removably attachable to the locking portion of themember, the anti-sway member having a contact portion for abuttingagainst a bicycle installed in the bicycle carrier and an attachmentportion on one end of the anti-sway member, the anti-sway member havingan engaged position wherein the anti-sway member prevents sway of thebicycle; the attachment portion enclosing a central aperture and havingan opening in a side of the attachment portion to the central aperture,the locking portion being sized to receive the opening of the anti-swaymember when the anti-sway member is in a non-engaged position, andwherein the locking portion is sized to prevent passage through theopening when anti-sway member is in the engaged position, the anti-swaymember being rotatable between the engaged and non-engaged positions.

In further embodiments when anti-sway member is in a non-engagedposition it is rotated to an essentially horizontal position such thatthe opening in the side of the attachment portion is aligned with thelocking portion for insertion thereon and removal. In furtherembodiments, when the anti-sway member is in a non-horizontal positionit is in an engaged position and the opening in the side of theattachment portion is not aligned with the locking portion for insertionand removal.

In still further embodiments, the locking portion has a vertical sideand a horizontal side and where the opening in the side of theattachment portion is sized to exceed that of the horizontal side andthe vertical side is sized to exceed the opening in the side of theattachment portion and wherein the opening is aligned with thehorizontal sides only when rotated to an essentially horizontalposition.

In other embodiments, the locking portion includes a bar having a narrowcross-section and a broad cross-section wherein the narrow cross-sectionis sized to permit insertion and removal of the opening over the lockingportion and the broad cross-section is sized to prevent insertion andremoval of the opening over the locking portion.

In other embodiments, the opening in the side of the attachment portionis aligned with the narrow cross-section when in the non-engagedposition for insertion and removal over the locking portion.

In other embodiments, the central aperture is sized to enclose thelocking portion and permit rotation of the anti-sway member between theengaged and non-engaged position on the locking portion.

In other embodiments, the central aperture cross-section is larger thanthe opening cross-section.

In other embodiments, the contact portion extends from the attachmentportion and the opening is positioned at essentially a right angle orless with respect to the extending attachment portion.

In further embodiments there is disclosed an anti-sway device for abicycle rack for preventing or reducing sway of a bicycle installed inthe rack, the anti sway including an attachment portion, an anti-swayportion extending from the attachment portion, the anti-sway portionhaving a contact surface for abutting against a bicycle tube forreducing sway, the attachment portion having a central aperture with anopening in a side of the attachment portion forming a channel to thecentral aperture, the opening positioned at essentially a right angle orless with respect to the extending anti-sway portion.

In further embodiments the central aperture is essentially circular forpermitting rotation of the anti-sway device when attached to a bicyclerack.

In further embodiments, the anti-sway portion extending from theattachment portion is arced. Additionally, the anti-sway portion can beconcave on one side to receive a bicycle tube.

In still other embodiments, there is disclosed a cradle for a bicyclerack and preventing sway of a bicycle installed therein, the cradleincluding an attachment member on an underside of the cradle having alocking portion suspended a distance from the cradle; an anti-swaymember removably attachable to the locking portion of the member, theanti-sway member having a surface for abutting against a bicycleinstalled in the bicycle rack and an attachment portion, the anti-swaymember having an engaged position wherein the anti-sway member extendsfrom the cradle for preventing sway of the bicycle; the attachmentportion enclosing a central aperture and having an opening in a side ofthe attachment portion forming a channel to the central aperture; thelocking portion being sized to receive the opening of the anti-swaymember when the anti-sway member is in a non-engaged position, andwherein the locking portion is sized to prevent passage through theopening when anti-sway member is in the engaged position, the anti-swaymember being rotatable between the engaged and non-engaged positions.

In some embodiments, disclosed herein is a bicycle carrier rackmountable to a vehicle trunk, the rack including: mounting armsabuttable against a vehicle; a flexible cable extending from the rackand having a hooked end piece for attachment to a portion of thevehicle; the hooked end piece being comprised of a substantially rigidbody and having a first end configured for receiving a portion of theflexible cable and a second end having a hooked portion, an aperturedisposed through the body of the end piece; a tunnel portion beingarranged on the first end of the hooked end piece for insertablyreceiving the flexible cable and directing an end portion of theflexible cable toward the aperture upon exit of the tunnel portion; theend portion of the flexible cable having a first diameter and theflexible cable having a second diameter prior to the end portion, thesecond diameter being larger than the first diameter; the aperture beingsized larger than the second diameter to permit passage of the endportion therethrough and the tunnel being sized larger than the firstdiameter and smaller than the second diameter, whereby the end portionis restricted from passing through the tunnel portion, and upon passageof the end portion of the flexible cable through the aperture, thehooked end piece is removable from the flexible cable.

In some embodiments, disclosed herein a bicycle carrier rack mountableto a portion of a vehicle, the bicycle rack including: a hub having loadcarrying arms extending away from the vehicle for supporting a bicycleand a mounting frame member for abutment against the vehicle, themounting frame member being rotatable about the hub, the hub having anelongate member passing through an apertured portion of the mountingframe member about which the mounting frame member is rotatable, theelongate member having a plurality of teeth disposed on an externalsurface of the elongate member, the mounting frame member comprising alatch having a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in thelocked position the latch is interferingly fitted against the teeth inthe locked position, and suspended away from the teeth in the unlockedposition, the mounting frame member being rotatable when the latch is inthe unlocked position and non-rotatable when latch is in the lockedposition.

In some embodiments, disclosed herein is a bicycle carrier rack formounting on a rear portion of a vehicle, the rack including: an armextending in a rearward direction having a carrying element locatedproximate the end of the arm, the carrying element shaped for receivinga portion of a bicycle, the end of the arm having a locking portionarranged further rearward toward the end than the carrying element, aflexible cable extending from a portion prior to the carrying element,the arm configured for retracting a portion of the flexible cablebeneath a surface of the arm, the flexible cable being extendable acrossthe carrier element and the portion of a bicycle installed therein andinsertable in the locking portion.

In some embodiments, disclosed herein a bicycle carrier rack formounting on a rear portion of a vehicle, the rack comprising: a mountingportion which grips a rear portion of the vehicle, a support frameextending rearward from a mounting portion in the same longitudinaldirection as the vehicle, the support frame being rotatable about a hubin a lower portion of the mounting portion, the mounting portion havinga latch biased toward the support frame, the frame comprising two frameextension members each extending from an opposite side of the framemember in a transverse direction relative the frame member, theextension members each having a surface adapted for receiving a wheel ofbicycle, the support frame being rotatable from a first extendedposition to a second folded position, wherein in the folded position thelatch is biased to toward an interference fit with the support framethereby preventing rotation of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A bicycle rack according to the present disclosure shall is describedwith reference to the following figures, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a truck mountedbicycle rack;

FIG. 1B is a front view of one embodiment of a truck mounted bicyclecarrier rack;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ratchetingadjustment arrangement;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the inner and outer spool components of theratcheting adjustment arrangement;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a spool assembly central member componentof the ratcheting adjustment arrangement;

FIG. 5 is an illustration is a side view of an outer spool component ofthe ratcheting adjustment arrangement;

FIG. 6 is an illustration is a side view of an inner spool component ofthe ratcheting adjustment arrangement;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an end of a cable of a truck mountedbicycle rack;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an end of a cablewith a hooked end piece;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of one embodiment of an end of a cable ofa truck mounted bicycle rack with a hooked end piece;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a cover for a cable end;

FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a narrow end of a cover for a cableend;

FIG. 8E is a perspective view of a squeezed narrow end of a cover for acable end;

FIG. 8F is a perspective view of a cover insertable over a cable end;

FIG. 8G is a perspective view of a cover for a cable end;

FIG. 8H is a perspective view of a cover for a cable end urged against ahooked end piece;

FIG. 8I is a perspective view of a cover enclosing a portion of a hookedend piece for a cable end;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anti-swayarrangement;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an anti-swayarrangement;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anti-swayarrangement;

FIG. 10A is a side view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangementand cradle piece;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anti-swayarrangement and cradle piece inserted on a bicycle rack arm;

FIG. 10C is a side view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangementand cradle piece;

FIG. 10D is a side view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangementand cradle piece;

FIG. 10E is a side view of one embodiment of an anti-sway arrangementand cradle piece;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cradle and lockingcable;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cradle andlocking cable;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an upper mountingmember;

FIG. 14 is one embodiment of an inner surface of a lower mountingmember;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a platform bicyclecarrier;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of platform members inan extended position;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of platform members in acontracted position;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of the platform bicycle carrier in a foldedposition;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the platform bicycle carrier in an unfoldedextended position;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the platform bicycle carrier in a foldedposition;

FIG. 21 is a close up view of a support frame and button;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bicycle supportarm;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frictional elementin an aperture of a bicycle support arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of a rack arrangement are described herein;however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary and accordingly, the rack arrangement may be embodiedin various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily toscale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details ofparticular components. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventions.

Referring to the Figures, one exemplary embodiment of a hanging bicyclecarrier 1 is shown in FIG. 1A which can be mounted on the rear of avehicle. The rear of the vehicle may include a trunk and a bumperportion.

The carrier 1 includes a mounting frame portion 2 and a bicycle loadcarrying portion 3. The mounting frame portion 2 includes upper mountingmember 4 and lower mounting member 5. Upper mounting member 4 isgenerally U-shaped with a pair of legs 6 interconnected by across-member 7. Likewise, lower mounting member 5 is generally U-shapedwith a pair of legs 8 interconnected by a cross-member 9. In thedepicted embodiment, the upper mounting legs 6 as well as the lowermounting legs 5 may also have a curved arching shape as they extendtoward the vehicle, thereby facilitating a more secure grip onto thevehicle. The upper mounting member 4 and lower mounting member 5 eachhave a rubber and/or soft plastic buffering material along the cornersand cross-members. Such material allows softer contact with the vehicleas the mounting portion abuts against the vehicle and may also providesome friction with the vehicle to prevent sliding or movement of therack across the legs.

The bicycle load carrying portion 3 is comprised of two carrier arms 11,11′ which project rearward away from the vehicle and are capable ofcarrying the load of one or more bicycles thereon. The arms 11, 11′ havecradles 12 which are integrally formed into each arm 11, 11′. Cradles 12may have a trough formed therein for receiving a bicycle and made of amaterial such as rubber and/or soft plastic so as not to scratch thebicycle. The cradles may optionally have an antisway devices 13 attachedthereto. Furthermore, straps 14, having a plurality of through-holes,may be attached to tabs 14a and pulled over a bicycle installed in therack to secure it a cradle 12. Additionally, straps 14, also having aplurality of through-holes, may be attached to anti-sway devices 13 tobe pulled over for securement of a bicycle.

The carrier arms 11, 11′, upper mounting member 4 and lower mountingmember 5 connectable about hub 15. At either end of hub 15 areratcheting adjustment arrangements 16. Upper flexible cables 17 andlower flexible cables 18 extend from the ratcheting arrangements 16 andcan attach onto a vehicle. Additionally the flexible cables may beretracted back into the ratcheting arrangements 16 by rotation of knobs19. At the end of the upper cables 17 and lower cables 18 are hooks 20which hook into portions of a vehicle. Accordingly, the rack 1 may bemounted to a vehicle by the interaction of forces, such that theflexible cables pull the bicycle rack 1 against the vehicle while at thesame time mounting members 4 and 5 abut against vehicle. This causes therack to be stably mounted to the vehicle and carry a bicycled installedthereon.

Referring now to FIG. 2, one exemplary embodiment a ratchetingadjustment arrangement 16 is illustrated therein. The depictedratcheting arrangement 16 is located at the end of the hub 15 and has aninner spool 21. Upper flexible cable 17 extends in an upward directionfrom inner spool 21. Inner spool 21 is substantially circular and isrotatable around a central axis for retraction and/or release of theflexible cable 17. Furthermore, inner spool 18 has trough 22 where thecable 17 will be received when retracted. As depicted in FIG. 3, acrossthe surface of the trough 22 are tracks 23 which are sized in dimensionto correspond to the diameter of the flexible cable 17. Accordingly, asthe flexible cable 17 is retracted and drawn into the inner spool 21, itwill be drawn onto these tracks. Therefore, there will only be one layerof flexible cable 17 drawn across the trough 22. This has the effect ofpreventing bunching of the cable and interference with retraction orrelease.

For example, in one embodiment, if the cable 17 is already withdrawn outof the spool its full length, as it is first retracted, it will be drawninto the most inner track 21. As the cable 17 is drawn in, it will begradually drawn across the trough from the most inner track to the mostouter track thereby providing one layer, side-by-side of cable 17 acrossthe trough. Ordinarily, spooling without such tracks along with multiplelayers of cable one on top of the other can lead to the complicationsand blocking of the cable during retraction or release. Such problemsare further exacerbated when the flexible cable has a plastic coating.However, utilizing the tracks and single layer of cable as disclosedaccording to embodiments herein facilitates retraction and release ofthe cable even with a plastic coating around the cable.

Also shown in FIG. 2, inner spool 21 has gear teeth 24 on the sides forrotation of the spool. Furthermore, latch 25 is provided to allow a userto toggle between retract and release of the cable 17. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 2, when the latch 25 is down, the spool 17 may rotate onlyin the retraction direction wherein the flexible cable 17 is drawn inaround the spool. In such configuration the inner spool 21 is lockedfrom rotating to prevent the cable 17 from being drawn out from thespool. When latch 25 is pulled in an upward direction by a user, thelatch is released and will allow the cable 17 to be retracted from thespool.

Also depicted in FIG. 2 is outer spool 26, which operates similarly inmechanism to the inner spool 18. Outer spool 26 has flexible cable 18extending in a downward direction which can be retracted and releasedfrom the spool. Outer spool 26 is positioned adjacent the inner spool 21and as shown in FIG. 3, also has a trough 27, with tracks 28 sized indimension to correspond to the diameter of the flexible cable 18 suchthat only one layer of cable is drawn across trough 27. The inner andouter spools may have the same number of tracks as or a differentnumber. For example, inner spool 21 may have a greater number of tracksthan the outer spool, and thus would have a larger cross sectional areato draw in cable. Additionally, in such case the upper flexible cable 18would be longer than lower flexible cable 18. Accordingly, both theinner and outer spools may have any number of tracks from 3-10,including 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 tracks. Outer spool 26 also hasgear teeth 29 for rotation thereof, and furthermore latch 25 a workssimilar in principle to latch 25 for release and retraction of the cable18.

As the inner and outer spools are adjacent one another, they may beformed in one housing 30. One or more cross-rivets 31 may extend acrossthe entire housing 30 suspended a distance above the spools. Thecross-rivets 31 are spaced above the spools such that there is roomenough only for one layer cable in the spools. This is a further stepfor assuring there can be only one layer of flexible cable across thelength of the spools.

There are additionally two end knobs, inner knob 32 and outer knob 33and may be turned by a user to rotate the inner and outer spools 21 and26 for retraction or release of the cable. As depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and4, outer knob 33 may be smaller in diameter compared to inner knob 32 tofacilitate access to both. Correspondingly, the inner knob 32 may beused for rotation of outer spool 26, and outer knob 33 may be used forrotation of inner spool 21. In other embodiments, this can be reversedsuch that inner knob 32 may be used for rotation of the inner spool 21and outer knob 33 may be used for outer spool 26. Furthermore, the knobsmay be positioned along the hub or rack, but in such a manner as toprovide rotation to the inner and outer spools 21 and 26.

Illustrated in FIG. 4 is the spool assembly central member 34 along withinner and outer knobs 32 and 33. The inner knob piece 35 is made up ofthe inner knob 32 connected with an external axle segment 36. The outerknob piece 37 is made up of outer knob 33 which is connected with aninternal axle segment 38 that extends through the external axle segment36 of the inner knob piece and is freely rotatable with respect to theouter knob piece 35. Additionally, the external axle segment 36 hasouter projections 39 and the internal axle segment 37 has inner tabs 40.

Depicted in FIG. 5 is a side view of outer spool 26 having outer spoolapertures 41 and a central member aperture 42. The outer spool 26 can beinserted over the central member 34 of the spool assembly 43, whereinthe outer spool apertures 41 will align with the outer projections 39 ofthe central member 34. Depicted in FIG. 6 is a side view of inner spool21 having inner spool apertures 44. The inner spool 21 can be insertedinto central member 34 of the spool assembly, wherein inner spoolapertures 44 will receive inner tabs 40 of the central member 34.Accordingly, because the inner spool 21 is connected with the outer knobpiece 37, when the outer knob 33 is rotated, the inner spool 21 willalso rotate. Correspondingly, because outer spool 25 is connected withthe inner knob piece 35, when the inner knob 32 is rotated, the outerspool 25 will also rotate. In this manner, both the inner and outerspools may be rotated independently of one another.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8B, illustrated therein is a hooked end piece45 and a flexible cable 46, wherein the hooked end piece 45 can beremoved and attached with the flexible cable 46. As shown in FIG. 7 is aflexible cable 46 with an end portion 47. The flexible cable may be madeof metal wire, and may have a plastic coating. The flexible cable endportion 47 has a blocker piece 48 attached on or near the end of endportion 47. The blocker piece 48 has a first diameter “D” which islarger than the diameter “d” of the flexible cable 46.

Illustrated in FIG. 8A is hooked end piece 45 which attaches to the endof the flexible cable 46. The hooked end piece 45 is made up of a rigidbody with a first end having a tunnel portion 49. The tunnel portion 49is an arched portion of hooked end piece. In middle portion of thehooked end piece 45 is an aperture 50 which further has an aperturechannel 51 leading to the tunnel portion 49. The hooked end piece 45additionally has a hooked portion 52 on a second end, opposite the endhaving the tunnel portion 49 for attachment to a portion of a car.

The hooked end piece 45 is removable from the end of the flexible cable43. The tunnel portion 49 is sized to correspond to the diameter “d” toallow passage of the flexible cable 46 therethrough. However, the tunnelportion is also smaller than the diameter “D” of the blocker piece 48,such that it is restricted from passing therethrough. Accordingly, whenthe hooked end piece 45 is attached to a vehicle and at the same timethe flexible cable 43 is tightened by use of the ratcheting arrangement16, the blocker piece 48 is drawn against the tunnel portion 49 andfixed at the mouth of the tunnel portion 49.

When removing the hooked end piece 45, the blocker piece 48 may be movedforward toward the hooked portion, as illustrated in the configurationshown in FIG. 8B. The aperture channel 51 is sized to allow passage ofthe flexible cable with diameter “d” therethrough, however, is alsosized to be smaller than diameter “D” therefore preventing passage ofthe blocker piece 48. However, the aperture 50 is sized to allow passageof the blocker piece 48 to pass therethrough.

Accordingly, when the blocker piece 48 is moved forward as depicted inFIG. 8B, the flexible cable may pass through the aperture channel 51,and the blocker piece 48 may be pulled through aperture 50. In this waythe hooked end piece 45 may be removed from the flexible cable 43. Itmay be attached by merely performing the reverse case, by inserting theblocker piece 48 through the aperture 50 and then pulling the blockerpiece 48 back against and into the tunnel portion 49.

Moreover, the tunnel portion 49 may have a wider diameter toward themiddle portion of the hooked end piece, and a narrower diameter as ittapers toward the end of the hooked end piece 45. This enables theblocker piece to nest just inside the tunnel portion 49 while at thesame time preventing it from passing all the way through the tunnelportion 49.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, the flexible cables 17 and 18 may have acovering 53 over a length of the cable, and also covering a portion ofthe hooked end piece 45. This allows a user to easily grasp the cablesas well as can help prevent the hooked end piece from beinginadvertently removed from the flexible cable.

Covering 53 is further described with reference to FIG. 8C through FIG.8I. As shown in FIG. 8C, covering 53 has an elongate body with a narrowend 301 and a broad end 302. The broad end 302 has an aperture 302Awhich is sized to receive and enclose the blocker piece 48 and a portionof the hooked end piece 45. The covering 53 is made up of a flexiblematerial, preferably a rubber, elastomer or soft plastic. Additionally,covering 53 has finger grips 303 on each side to facilitate gripping bya user. As further shown in FIGS. 8D-8H, the covering 53 will beinserted narrow end 301 first over the cable, with the broad end 302extending toward the end of the cable having the blocker piece 48 andhooked end piece 45. The broad end 302 will fit over the blocker piece48 and the hooked end piece 45.

As shown in FIG. 8D, the narrow end 301 is shown just prior to beinginserted over the end portion 47 of flexible cable 46. Narrow end 301has an aperture 304 at its end. In preferred embodiments, the narrow end301 will have an elliptical or oval shape. Accordingly, in theseembodiments it will have a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis.The aperture 304 has a central cavity 305 with horizontal slits 306 oneither side. The central cavity 305 is sized to receive the blockerpiece 48. As illustrated in FIG. 8E the narrow end can be squeezed alongits major axis, thus causing the horizontal slits 306 together with thecentral cavity 305 to form a larger aperture 306. In this way it can bemore easily fitted over the blocker piece 48 as shown in FIG. 8F.

After inserting the cover 53 over the blocker piece 48, the cover 53 canbe pulled fully past the blocker piece 48 so as to slide along theflexible cable 46 as shown in FIG. 8G. After insertion of the cover 53past the block piece 48, then the hooked end piece 45 can be attached asdescribed previously with reference to FIGS. 7 to 8B. After attachmentof the hooked end piece 45, the cover 53 can be moved up to the hookedend piece 45 as shown in 8H. The broad end 302 has an aperture 302Awhich is sized to receive and enclose the blocker piece 48 and a portionof the hooked end piece 45. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8I, the cover53 can be inserted over a portion of the hooked end piece 45. In thisway, the cover 53 aids a user to easily grasp the cables as well as helpprevent the hooked end piece from being inadvertently removed from theflexible cable.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, one embodiment of an anti-sway device54 is illustrated therein. Anti-sway devices are generally providedbeneath bicycle carrier arms and prevent swinging, or “sway,” of thebicycle when installed in a rack which may occur when the vehicle is inprogress.

As shown in FIG. 10, an anti-sway device 54 is rotatably attached to anattachment member 55 while FIG. 9 shows the anti-sway device 54 detachedfrom the attachment member 55.

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 9, the attachment member 55protrudes from the underside of a bicycle carrier arm 56. The attachmentmember 55 extends in the same longitudinal direction as the bicycle arm.The attachment member 55 has locking members 57 suspended a distancefrom the bicycle arm. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, there arespaces 58 between the bicycle arm and the locking members 57.Furthermore, the locking members 57 are connected between three wallprotrusions 59. The locking members 57 are shaped such that they arelonger in the vertical sides 60 than their horizontal sides 61.

Referring to FIG. 10 the anti-sway device 54 has a correspondingattachment portion 62 and arches to a contact portion 63. This contactportion 63 may abut a bicycle installed in the bicycle rack in order toprevent “sway.” It also may be slightly concave to better embrace thetube of a bicycle. Furthermore, tabs 64 are provided onto which a strapmay be attached so as to wrap around a portion of a bicycle for betterstabilization. Referring to FIG. 9, the attachment portion 62 is of alongitudinal circular shape divided into several segments separated byapertures 65. The attachment portion 62 further has a central axisaperture 66 extending along its length. Additionally, there are openings67 on the side of the attachment portion 62 which act as an entrancechannel for the central aperture 66.

The openings 67 are positioned such that only when the anti-sway deviceis oriented substantially horizontal can the attachment portion 62 ofthe anti-sway device be inserted onto the locking members 57. Theopenings 67 are shaped such that they can receive the locking members 57only when they are oriented substantially horizontal. The openings 67are additionally sized such that they can receive the horizontal sides61 of the locking members 57. In some embodiments, the openings 67 maysimply be larger than the horizontal sides 61 so as to easily fit ontothe locking members 57, however, this can include a press-fit where thehorizontal sides 61 are just slightly larger than the openings 67 sothat when pressed they will force over the horizontal sides 61 and fitonto the locking members 61. However, the vertical sides 60 of thelocking member 57 are longer than the horizontal sides, and are sized toexceed the dimensions of the openings 67. Thus to attach the anti-swaydevice 54, it must be oriented horizontally with the openings 67 alignedwith the locking horizontal sides 61 of locking members 57.

The respective sizing of the openings 67 and the locking members 57 mayalso be described in terms of cross-section. For example, illustrated inFIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the locking members 57 andattachment portion 62. The locking members 57 have a narrowcross-section 203 and a broad cross-section 202. The narrow crosssection 203 faces a direction perpendicularly downward from the bikecarrier 201 to which it is attached, and may also be termed thehorizontal side. The broad cross-section 202 as can be seen faces adirection parallel to the bicycle carrier, and may also be termed thevertical side. Additionally shown in FIG. 9A (not drawn to scale) islocking members 57 with cross-sectional diameter 205 of the centralaperture of the attachment portion 62. Also shown is the cross sectionalsize 204 of openings 67. As can be seen, the thicknesss of the narrowcross-section 203 is such that the cross-sectional size 204 of openings67 may fit over the locking members 67 in order to insert or remove theattachment portion 62 from the locking members 57. Additionally, thethickness of broad cross section 202 is greater than the cross-sectionaldistance of openings 67 and thus cannot fit over the locking members 57from this direction. Accordingly, when the anti-sway device 54 isoriented horizontally, the openings 67 are aligned with the narrow crosssection 203 of the locking members 57 and thus may be inserted onto orremoved from the locking members 57. However, when the anti-sway device54 is oriented vertically or non-horizontally, the openings 67 are notaligned with the narrow cross-section 203 but instead face the broadcross-section 202. Additionally, the cross-section 205 of the centralaperture will be such that it is greater than the broad cross-section202, thus allowing rotation of the anti-sway device when attached to thelocking members 57.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 9, 9A, and 10, the openings 67 may alsobe described as opening to a right angle with respect to the extendedbody portion of the anti-sway device 54. For example, in FIG. 9A, whenthe anti-sway device 54 is oriented essentially horizontally, theopenings 67 face directly in an upward direction and thus may beinserted over the narrow cross-section 203. However, when orientedvertically or non-horizontal, the openings 67 will not be aligned withthe narrow cross-section 203 and so will not be insertable or removablefrom the locking members 57. This “C” shape of the central aperture andopenings in the attachment portion of the anti-sway device enable it tobe easily inserted, removed and rotated to an engaged position toprevent sway of the bicycle.

Once the anti-sway device 54 is inserted, it can then be rotated fromthe horizontal position about the central axis aperture 66. When thedevice is no longer in the horizontal position such as in FIG. 10, theopenings 67 will no longer be aligned with the horizontal sides 61 ofthe locking members 57, but instead will face the vertical sides 60.Because the vertical sides 60 exceed the dimensions of the openings 67,the anti-sway device cannot be disengaged from the locking member 64when not oriented horizontally. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates anembodiment where the anti-sway device is not oriented in the horizontalposition, but closer to vertical. Accordingly, when the anti-sway deviceis not in the horizontal position, but oriented more vertically, it maybe used to engage a bicycle tube to aid in preventing “sway.” When theanti-sway device is oriented in substantially horizontal position it isin a non-engaged position, and may be removed from the attachment member62. Furthermore, although the anti-sway device may be arced outward insome embodiments, it will be understood that the description of“horizontal” and “vertical” are in relation to the portion immediatelyextending from the attachment portion 62 and their orientation relativethe locking members 57 and bicycle rack arm.

The respective sizing of the openings 67 and the locking members 57 mayalso be described in terms of cross-section. For example, illustrated inFIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the locking members 57 andattachment portion 62. The locking members 57 have a narrowcross-section 203 and a broad cross-section 202. The narrow crosssection 203 faces a direction perpendicularly downward from the bikecarrier 201 to which it is attached, and may also be termed thehorizontal side. The broad cross-section 202 as can be seen faces adirection parallel to the bicycle carrier, and may also be termed thevertical side. Additionally shown in FIG. 9A (not drawn to scale) islocking members 57 with cross-sectional diameter 205 of the centralaperture of the attachment portion 62. Also shown is the cross sectionalsize 204 of openings 67. As can be seen, the thicknesss of the narrowcross-section 203 is such that the cross-sectional size 204 of openings67 may fit over the locking members 57 in order to insert or remove theattachment portion 62 from the locking members 57. Additionally, thethickness of broad cross section 202 is greater than the cross-sectionaldistance of openings 67 and thus cannot fit over the locking members 57from this direction. Accordingly, when the anti-sway device 54 isoriented horizontally, the openings 67 are aligned with the narrow crosssection 203 of the locking members 57 and thus may be inserted onto orremoved from the locking members 57. However, when the anti-sway device54 is oriented vertically or non-horizontally, the openings 67 are notaligned with the narrow cross-section 203 but instead face the broadcross-section 202. Additionally, the cross-section 205 of the centralaperture is such that it is greater than the broad cross-section 202,thus allowing rotation of the anti-sway device when attached to thelocking members 57.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 9, 9A, and 10, the openings 67 may alsobe described as opening to at about a right angle (90 degrees) withrespect to the extended body portion of the anti-sway device 54. Forexample, in FIG. 9A, when the anti-sway device 54 is orientedessentially horizontally, the openings 67 face directly in an upwarddirection and thus may be inserted over the narrow cross-section 203.However, when oriented vertically or non-horizontal, the openings 67will not be aligned with the narrow cross-section 203 and so will not beinsertable or removable from the locking members 57. This “C” shape ofthe central aperture and openings in the attachment portion of theanti-sway device enable it to be easily inserted, removed and rotated toan engaged position to prevent sway of the bicycle. In otherembodiments, the opening may be less than 90 degrees such that theanti-sway device would be rotated above and past the horizontal positionto be released.

Furthermore in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10A an anti-swaydevice 220 may be attachable to a removable cradle piece 221. Forexample, the cradle piece 221 may have a saddle portion 222 as well as abicycle rack arm receiving portion 223. The saddle portion may receive abicycle tube or may additional have some padding thereon. Furthermore,the bicycle rack arm receiving portion 223. As can be seen in FIG. 10C,the arm receiving portion 223 has a hollow 224 for receiving a bicyclerack arm. In many conventional bicycle racks, the cradles are not builtinto the bicycle rack, and thus cradles are separably added. Thus thehollow 224 may be inserted over a bicycle rack arm for installingthereon as shown in FIG. 10B. Additionally a strap 222A can be seenattached to the cradle piece 221.

The cradle piece 221 has an attachment member 225 extending in the samelongitudinal direction as the body of the cradle piece 221. Theattachment member 225 has a locking members 227 suspended a distancefrom the cradle piece 221. There are spaces 226 between the bicycle armand the locking members 227. Furthermore, the locking members 227 areconnected between three wall protrusions 228. The anti-sway device 220has an attachment portion 329 with a central axis aperture 330 andopenings 332. The locking members 227 are shaped such that they arelonger in the vertical sides than their horizontal sides as similarlydescribed with respect to the locking members 57 in FIGS. 9 and 10. Therespective sizing of the openings 332 and the locking members 227 mayalso be described in terms of cross-section with a broad and narrowcross-section as described with respect to FIG. 9A. Additionally, theopenings 332 may also be described as opening to a right angle withrespect to the extended body portion of the anti-sway device 220.

Now referring to FIGS. 10C to 10E, there is shown rotation of anti-swaydevice 220 on locking members 227. As shown in FIG. 10C, the anti-swaydevice 220 is rotated essentially horizontal. Accordingly, the openings331 are aligned with the narrow cross-section of the locking members 227such that it may be removed from attachment to the cradle piece 221. Asshown in FIG. 10D, the anti-sway device 220 is rotated to be essentiallyvertical, and thus in an engaged position (although the end portion arcsaway from the vertical). Accordingly, the openings 221 are not alignedwith the narrow cross section of the locking members 227. Thus, theanti-sway device 220 cannot be removed from the cradle piece 221.Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10E, the anti-sway device 220 is rotatedbetween the horizontal and vertical positions. However, because theanti-sway device 220 is not in the horizontal non-engaged position, theopenings 331 are still not aligned with the narrow cross section of thelocking members 227. Thus, even in this configuration, the anti-swaydevice 220 cannot be removed from the cradle piece 221.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, one embodiment of an integrated cablelock is illustrated therein. The lock as illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 11 and 12 enable the securement of the bicycle installed at theend of the bicycle carrier arm. For securement of all the bicycles on arack arrangement, only the end bicycle need be locked because removal ofthe other bicycles are prevented. Depicted in FIG. 11 is an end cradle68 integrated with the bicycle arm 69 and having tabs 70 capable ofreceiving a strap (not shown). The cradle has a concave trough 71 whichis shaped for receiving a bicycle tube.

Further depicted is a locking cable 72 extending from an aperture 73 inthe surface of the top portion of the bicycle arm 69. The locking cablecan be manually withdrawn from the aperture 73 or retracted therein. Alocking cavity 74 is provided on the other side of the cradle 68, whichcontained therein is a locking mechanism. The end of locking cable 72has a locking end piece 75 made up of a rigid, preferably metal planartab with a circular aperture 76 which opens to the lower edge of thetab.

Shown in FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cable lock embodimentshown in FIG. 9. As shown therein the locking cable 72 extends throughaperture 73 into a containment space 76 and attached at its end to ananchor 77 beneath the bicycle carrier surface. The locking cable can beretracted and stored in the containment space 76. The locking end 74 canbe shaped in such away as to substantially cover the aperture 73 whenthe locking cable is fully retracted. In other embodiments, the anchor77 may be provided in a channel such that it may be pushed back if thelocking cable is retracted. Additionally, a spring may be employed whichautomatically retracts the locking cable 72.

Further illustrated in FIG. 10 is a locking mechanism 80 which has alock core 81 and a key hole 82. Furthermore, within the locking cavity74 is the locking head 83 of the lock core. The locking head can beshaped such that it has a narrow on one side, while wide on another.Because the aperture 76 of the locking end piece 75 is circular theopening at the edge of the locking tab will have a lesser width than thecenter of the aperture. Accordingly, when the locking head is rotated tothe un-locked position, the cable can be inserted into the lockingcavity so that the aperture 75 receives the locking head 83.Furthermore, the locking head 83 can be rotated in the aperture to alocked position wherein the locking cable is prevented from beingremoved. It will be understood that many modes and mechanisms may beemployed for restricting the cable end 75 in the locking cavity 74.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, illustrated therein are carrier arms 11, 11′,the upper mounting member 4 and lower mounting member 5 which areconnectable about hub 15. Around this hub the bicycle arms 11, 11′ andupper mounting member 4 are rotatable. FIG. 1B, which is a front viewfrom behind the vehicle looking forward as the carrier 1 is mounted tothe vehicle) of the carrier 1, illustrates that the hub 15 has anelongate member 90 passing through apertures in the bicycle arms 11, 11′and upper mounting member 4. Elongate member 90 has a plurality of teethon running along its length on the external surface, hence, it may alsobe described as a splined shaft member.

Illustrated in FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an upper mountingmember 4 having an upper mounting aperture 92. Within aperture 92 iselongate member 90 having splines, or teeth 93. The teeth 93 extendoutward and contact the inner surface of the aperture 92. A latch 94 isprovided having a set of teeth 96 corresponding to the teeth on elongatemember 90 and which is rotatable about pivot 97. A lever 98 is providedon the top surface of the upper mounting member 4 which is linked to thelatch 94 by pin 99. As shown in FIG. 13, the latch 94 is in a lockedposition and interferingly fitted and engaged against the teeth 93 onelongate member 90. In such position, the upper mounting member 4 isprevented from rotating about elongate member 90. However, a user canpull lever 98, accordingly pulling latch 94 thereby suspending the latch94 away from the teeth on elongate member 90. Accordingly, this can betermed the unlocked or released position, because in this configurationthe upper mounting arm 4 is rotatable around elongate member 90.Furthermore, the pin 99 is biased (spring loaded), by a spring forexample, such that when the lever is released, the spring will cause thelever 98 to close and again urge the latch 94 against the teeth ofelongate member 90 thereby locking it in place.

Further depicted in FIG. 13 are four fastening holes 100 that arepositioned on the internal surface of the elongate member 90. It will beunderstood by those of skill in the art that a greater or fewer numberof fastening holes 100 can be employed. To these fastening holes thelower mounting member 4 can be attached. Illustrated FIG. 14 is an innersurface of a lower mounting member 5. Into the surface is an impression101 in the shape of the elongate member 90. Accordingly, the elongatemember 90 (shown in FIG. 13) can be snugly fit into this impression 101.Additionally, fasteners, such as screws, bolts or pins, may be passedthrough apertures 102 which are aligned with the fastening holes 100 ofthe elongate member 90. Accordingly, when the elongate member isinserted into impression 101 and fastened by use of the fastening holes100 and apertures 102, the lower mounting member 5 is fixed with respectto the elongate member 90, allowing no movement or rotation relative oneanother. Therefore, while the lower mounting member 5 is fixed relativethe elongate member 90, the upper mounting member 4 as well as thebicycle arms 11, 11′ are rotatable with respect to the elongate member30. By rotation of the upper mounting member, along with proper fixingof the bicycle arms 11, 11′, the rack arrangement can be made to fit amultitude of vehicles and shapes for mounting thereon. The bicycle arms11, 11′ may be rotated using a similar mechanism as described in FIG. 13with respect to upper mounting member 4. Accordingly, a user pullinglever 105 (shown in FIG. 1A) will release the bicycle arms 11, 11′ forrotation about hub 15.

One exemplary embodiment of a platform bicycle carrier 110 is shown inFIG. 15 which can be mounted on the rear of a vehicle. The rear of thevehicle may include a trunk and a bumper portion.

The carrier 110 includes an upper mounting member 114 and a lowermounting member 115. Upper mounting member 114 is generally U-shapedwith a pair of legs 116 interconnected by a cross-member 117. Likewise,lower mounting member 115 is generally U-shaped with a pair of legs 118interconnected by a cross-member 119. In the depicted embodiment, theupper mounting legs 116 as well as the lower mounting legs 118 may havean curved arching shape as they extend toward the vehicle, therebyfacilitating a more secure grip onto the vehicle. The upper mountingmember 4 and lower mounting member 5 each have a rubber and/or softplastic buffering material along the corners and cross-members.

The carrier 110 further includes bicycle support arms 111, 111′, alsoknown as overhanging support arms, which project rearward away from thevehicle each having a clamp 112 on each end. The clamps are sized tograsp a bicycle tube installed in the carrier for stabilizing thebicycle and may be tightened. Support frame 113 also extends rearwardfrom the vehicle and in a downward direction. The support frame 113 isgenerally U-shaped with legs 120 and a cross-member 121 connecting thetwo legs.

The upper and lower mounting members along with the bicycle arms andsupport frame are all connectable about a hub 122. The hub 122 has anelongate member passing through apertures in the bicycle support arms111, 111′, the support frame 113 and upper mounting member 114. Elongatemember has a plurality of teeth running along its length on the externalsurface, hence, it may also be described as a splined shaft member. Theupper mounting members 114 are rotatable about elongate member in thesame manner as described with respect to FIGS. 13 for upper mountingmember 4, the description of which is equally applicable for carrier110. Accordingly, latches 123 are depicted in FIG. 1 which may be pulledby a user to place the upper mounting member in an unlocked or releasedposition for rotation. Similarly, support frame member 113 also has alever and latch mechanism as described with respect to FIG. 13.Accordingly, latches 117 on support frame member 124 may be by a user toplace the support frame member in an unlocked or released position forrotation.

Furthermore lower mounting member 115 is attached to elongate member inthe same manner as described with respect to FIG. 14, being equallyapplicable for carrier 110.

Upper flexible cables 125 and lower flexible cables 126 extend from theratcheting arrangements 127 and can attach onto a vehicle. The flexiblecables may be retracted back into the arrangements 127 by rotation ofknobs 128. At the end of the upper cables 125 and lower cables 126 arehooks 129 which hook into portions of a vehicle. Accordingly, the rack110 may be mounted to a vehicle by the interaction of forces, such thatthe flexible cables pull the bicycle rack 110 against the vehicle whileat the same time mounting members 114 and 115 abut against vehicle. Thiscauses the rack to be stably mounted to the vehicle and carry a bicycledinstalled thereon.

The ratcheting system as described in FIGS. 2-5 may be employed forretraction and release of the upper and lower cables 125 and 126 theassociated description equally applicable for carrier 110. Furthermore,the hooks 129 are attached to upper and lower cables 125 and 126 in themanner as described in FIGS. 7-9, being equally applicable for carrier110.

Referring to FIG. 15, support frame 113 has a platform frame member 130rotatably attached and which extends in a rearward direction. Withreference to FIG. 16, the platform frame member 130 has an axialconnector 121 which passes through the cross-member 131 of the supportframe 113. The platform frame member 130 has two legs 132 which areinterconnected by two platform cross-members 133 and 134. Attached tothe platform frame member are two platform extension members 135 and 136extending in a transverse direction from each side of the platform framemember 120. The platform extension members 135 and 136 are aligned intheir longitudinal direction with each of the two platform cross-members133 and 134.

The platform extension members 135 and 136 are made up of an anchorextensions 137 from which support extensions 138 extend. Each supportextension member has a concave trough shaped for receiving a bicyclewheel which, as does a portion of the anchor extensions 137. At each endof the support extension members are crib supports 139 which serve tocup the bicycle wheel installed in the rack 101. Moreover tabs 140 areprovided along with a strap 141 having a plurality of apertures thereinwhich may be used to secure the bicycle wheel. The support frame alongwith the platform extension members may together be considered theplatform 150 of carrier 110.

While FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the platform extension members in anextended position, the platform extension members 135 and 136additionally have a retracted position as depicted in FIG. 17. As shownin FIG. 16, the platform extension members 130 may be withdrawn into thesupport frame 113 to a retracted position such that the crib supports139 are brought adjacent to the anchor extensions 137. When a bicycle isnot installed in the carrier, a user can place the extension members 130in retracted position. Additionally, such retracted position facilitatesstorage as well as shipping of the carrier 110.

Furthermore the platform 150 may have a folded position and an extendedposition. While FIG. 15 shows the platform 150 in an extended position,FIG. 18 depicts the platform in a folded position. In the foldedposition the platform is folded upwards toward the frame support member113. Side views of the extended and folded positions are also depictedin FIGS. 19 and 20 respectively.

The mechanism for rotating the platform between the extended and foldedpositions is shown in detail in FIG. 21. As illustrated therein, supportframe 113 has a button 160. Additionally shown, platform frame member130 is rotatably attached to the support frame 113. The platform framemember 130 has two apertures, 161 and 162 separated by about 90 degreesand positioned immediately adjacent the support frame 113. The button160 contains a spring bias, which urges the button 160 outward towardthe platform frame member 130. Accordingly, when the button 160 isaligned with either aperture 161 or 162, it will be urged withinaperture thereby preventing rotation between platform frame member 130and support frame 113. A user can then press the button 160, whichpushes it sufficiently far into the support frame 113 to the aperture,thereby allowing free rotation of the frame member 130.

Because the apertures 161 and 162 are positioned such that when thebutton 160 is inserted into aperture 161, the platform 150 is in asubstantially vertical position when in the folded position. As theapertures are separated by about 90 degrees, when the platform framemember is rotated to an extended position, the button 160 will beinserted into aperture 162 and accordingly, the platform 150 will be inan essentially horizontal position. It will be understood by those inthe art that in other embodiments, the platform frame member and supportframe may be designed to take other positions, the apertures may beseparated by more or less than 90 degrees, and furthermore, use ofgreater than two apertures may be employed.

Also illustrated in FIG. 19 is a stabilizing cross-section supportbridge 190 attached between support frame 113 and lower mounting member115. The support bridge 190 adds further stability and support tosupport frame 113. The additional force aids for overall strength of thecarrier 110. In one embodiment, the support bridge 190 may be detachedfrom lower mounting member 115 by pressing a button 191. In suchembodiment, support bridge 190 is pivotally attached to lower framemember 113 and so will swing freely after such release. In this way, thecarrier 110 can be folded by rotating support frame 113 in line withlower mounting member 115 so that it takes up less space in a trunk orfor shipping. In other embodiments, the reverse may be implemented,where the support bridge 190 is detached from support frame 113 andswings pivotally from lower mounting member 115. In other embodiments,the support frame 113 may have an elongate aperture or track runningalong the length of its leg, wherein upon collapse of support frame 113to lower mounting member 115, the end of the support bridge 190 willslide up the support frame 113 and fit at least a portion of the supportbridge 190 in the aperture. A pin may be input into the end of thebridge 190 so that the pin would slide in the elongate aperture ortrack. In such embodiment, the support bridge 190 would remain with thecarrier 110 so that when stored a user would not lose the support bridge190 and it would be kept in an organized stored position. In otherembodiments, the bridge 190 may have a pivot point in the middle, thatit will bend in the middle and each end segment of the bridge will foldin. In another embodiment the bridge may have an aperture along itslength, and accordingly as the support member 113 is folded inward, apin or the connection point will slide along this aperture.

As discussed previously, bicycle support arms 111, 111′ are rotatableabout hub 122. Referring now to FIG. 22, shown therein is across-sectional view of bicycle support arm 170 having a clamp 112. Anaperture 171 is shown on the end of the bicycle support arm 170 whichwill be centered at hub 122 and receives an elongate member 173. Theelongate member has teeth 174, or splines around the external surface ofthe elongate member and which contact the internal surface of theaperture 171. The aperture 171 of bicycle support arm 170 also has africtional element 175. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the frictionalelement 175 may be positioned in the center of the aperture 171 andextend a portion around the internal surface of the aperture. In someembodiments the frictional element 175 is rubber, such as polyphenyleneether (PPE), or a soft plastic. The frictional element is positioned onthe surface of the aperture against the teeth 174 of the elongate member173. When the bicycle arm 170 is rotated, the frictional element 175will rub against the teeth 174 causing a frictional resistance to itsmovement. This resistance is sufficient to rotate by force of hand, forexample if a user attempts to manually rotate the bicycle arm 170.However, the resistance is also such that when the arm is not beingmanually adjusted by a user, it will maintain its rotational position.In this way the rotation of the arm 170 is infinitely adjustable aroundthe hub 122 so that a user can place it any convenient position tosecure the bicycle with the clamp 176. In FIG. 22, the elongate member173 is also shown with fastening holes 178 to which the lower mountingmember 115 can be fastenend.

Examples have been described above regarding a rack arrangement. One ofordinary skill in the art, however, will appreciate that variousmodifications to and departures from the disclosed embodiments willoccur to those having skill in the art.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A vehicle trunk mountable bicycle rack havingmounting arms abuttable against a vehicle and an adjustable ratchetingarrangement for pulling the rack against the vehicle and stably mountingthe rack thereon by the interaction of the forces, said ratchetingarrangement comprising: a flexible cable for attachment to a vehicle, aspool rotatable about a central axis and nested in a housing, said spoolhaving an inner trough portion, said inner trough portion receiving saidflexible cable.
 17. The bicycle rack as in claim 16, wherein the spoolis substantially circular.
 18. The bicycle rack as in claim 16, whereinsaid inner trough has a plurality concave tracks.
 19. The bicycle rackas in claim 18, wherein said concave tracks are each sized to correspondto a diameter of said flexible cable.
 20. The bicycle rack as in claim16, said tracks being arranged to wind said flexible cable in a singlelayer across said trough portion.
 21. The bicycle rack as in claim 16,said spool having gear teeth on at least one of the sides thereof. 22.The bicycle rack as in claim 16, said spool having a latch arranged totoggle between a refraction and a release configuration of said spool.23. The bicycle rack as in claim 16, wherein when said latch isactuated, said spool can only rotate in the refraction direction.
 24. Abicycle rack as in claim 16 further comprising cross-members suspendedabove said inner trough portion.
 25. A bicycle rack as in claim 24wherein the distance between said inner trough and cross-members beingsized less than two diameter lengths of said flexible cable.
 26. Thebicycle rack as in claim 16, said flexible cable having a hooked endpiece for attachment to the vehicle.
 27. The bicycle rack as in claim26, said flexible cable having a covering over a portion of the hookedend piece for gripping by a user.
 28. A bicycle rack as in claim 16wherein said flexible cable is encircled by a plastic coating.
 29. Abicycle rack as in claim 16, further comprising a first knob externalsaid housing for rotation of said spool whereby flexible cable isretracted and released.
 30. A bicycle rack as in claim 29, wherein saidspool is a first spool, and said ratcheting arrangement comprises asecond spool adjacent said first spool, said second spool receivingsecond flexible cable on a portion thereof.
 31. A bicycle rack as inclaim 30, said ratcheting arrangement further comprising a second knobexternal said housing for rotation of said second spool.
 32. A vehicletrunk mountable bicycle rack comprising: mounting arms abuttable againsta vehicle, at least one carrier arm for supporting a bicycle load, anadjustable ratcheting arrangement having a line for attachment to avehicle and pulling the rack against a vehicle, said ratchetingarrangement comprising: a spool rotatable about a central axis andnested in a housing, said spool having an inner trough portion, saidinner trough portion receiving said line for release and refraction ofsaid line.
 33. The bicycle rack as in claim 32, wherein the spool issubstantially circular.
 34. The bicycle rack as in claim 32, whereinsaid line is a flexible cable.
 35. The bicycle rack as in claim 32,wherein said inner trough has a plurality concave tracks.
 36. Thebicycle rack as in claim 32, wherein said plurality of concave tracksare each sized to correspond to a diameter of said flexible cable. 37.The bicycle rack as in claim 32, said spool having a latch arranged totoggle between a refraction and a release configuration of said spool.38. The bicycle rack as in claim 37, wherein when said latch isactuated, said spool is locked from rotating such that said line cannotbe drawn out from said spool.
 39. The bicycle rack as in claim 32, saidspool having gear teeth on at least one of the sides thereof.
 40. Thebicycle rack as in claim 32, said line having a hooked end piece forattachment to the vehicle.
 41. The bicycle rack as in claim 40, saidline having a covering over a portion of the hooked end piece forgripping by a user.
 42. The bicycle rack as in claim 1, furthercomprises a rotatable segment for rotating the spool.
 43. The bicyclerack as in claim 1, further comprises an axle segment.
 44. The bicyclerack as in claim 1, further comprises a rotatable segment for rotatingthe spool.
 45. The bicycle rack as in claim 42, wherein the rotatablesegment comprises outer projections.
 46. The bicycle rack as in claim 43further comprising a knob for turning by a user external to said housingand communicating with said spool.
 47. The bicycle rack as in claim 1further comprises a load carrying arm extending from the rack capable ofcarrying a bicycle thereon.
 48. The bicycle rack as in claim 1 comprisesa hub from which said mounting arms and load carrying arm extend.